BCB suspends Chandika Hathurusingha on disciplinary grounds, contract set to be terminated in 48 hours: Reports
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reportedly come down hard on the men's team's head coach Chandika Hathurusingha, suspending him for allegedly slapping a player during the 2023 World Cup. According to ESPN Cricinfo, the 56-year-old's contract will be terminated in 48 hours and Trinidad's Phil Simmons will take over as coach in the interim capacity until the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Hathurusingha had returned as the coach of the Bangladesh team last year for his second stint, having served in the role from 2014-2017. However, former captains had questioned his re-appointment. Most recently, BCB president Faruque Ahmed shared the opinion, issuing a warning to the former Sri Lanka cricketer.
According to a report published by ESPN Cricinfo, Ahmed stated that the incumbent was guilty of two misconducts, which includes assaulting a player and taking more leaves than mentioned in the contract.
Meanwhile, Simmons' last coaching stint was with the West Indian team and he will start his tenure with the two-Test series against South Africa.
Chandika Hathurusingha ushered Bangladesh's biggest Test series win till date
While the Tigers failed to make any admirable progress in the white-ball arena and struggled in the longest format for the most part under the 56-year-old, Hathurusingha's greatest achievement will be masterminding a 2-0 Test series win in Pakistan. However, his tenure ended on a bleak note.
The subsequent India tour when Bangladesh played two Tests and three T20Is ended with the tourists not winning a single game. The third T20I series especially proved to be flattening as Bangladesh suffered their heaviest defeat in the format, with India crushing them by 133 runs.
With the Proteas set to visit Bangladesh, the home side will be keen to put on a good show and will fancy their chances as the hosts. Najmul Hossain Shanto and co. are seventh in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings at the moment.